For discerning home cooks and professionals alike, the porcelain brand you choose for your dinnerware and cookware matters. Two of the leading French porcelain makers are Pillivuyt and Apilco.
Both companies produce high-quality porcelain known for its beauty, durability, and performance, but they have some key differences that may make one brand better suited for your needs.
This article will compare Pillivuyt and Apilco porcelain across a range of factors so you can determine which is right for you.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | Pillivuyt | Apilco |
| Manufacturing Location | Mehun-sur-Yèvre, France | Limoges, France |
| Clay Composition | High kaolin content from local sources | Kaolin from Limoges region |
| Design Aesthetic | Classical French styles and modern designs | French country/provincial look with blue accents |
| Product Range | Dinnerware, cookware, and specialized culinary & lab porcelain | Mainly dinnerware and some cookware |
| Price Point | Premium | Mid-range |
| Professional Reputation | Extremely popular in restaurants and culinary schools | Well-regarded but not as widely used by professionals |
| Durability | Extremely durable and hardy | Durable for daily use but not as indestructible as Pillivuyt |
| Heat Resistance | Up to 1600°F/870°C | Up to 1472°F/800°C |
| Dishwasher Safety | Guaranteed dishwasher safe | Recommended for handwashing |
| Availability | High-end kitchenware stores | Widely available at department stores and online |
Overview of Pillivuyt Porcelain
Founded in 1818, Pillivuyt is one of the oldest and most esteemed porcelain brands in France. The company is still family-owned and continues to produce porcelain in its factory in Mehun-sur-Yèvre in central France.
Pillivuyt is renowned for its exceptionally white, translucent porcelain. The clay has a high kaolin content which gives it a smooth, luminous quality. Pillivuyt glazes are specially formulated to be scratch-resistant and withstand thousands of trips through the dishwasher. The glazes are lead-free and odorless.
In addition to dinnerware, Pillivuyt manufactures specialized restaurant-grade porcelain such as tempering dishes, ramekins, and mixing bowls prized by professional chefs. They also produce industrial and chemical labware.
Key features of Pillivuyt porcelain:
- Made in France from locally-sourced kaolin clay
- Hard-wearing – durable and chip/scratch resistant
- Dishwasher, microwave, oven and broiler safe
- Lead-free and odorless glazes
- Specialized culinary and laboratory porcelain
- Classic French designs
Pillivuyt is the preferred brand for many restaurants and culinary schools. It offers exceptional durability to withstand the rigors of commercial use. Home cooks also appreciate Pillivuyt for its sturdiness and heat resistance. The slightly higher prices reflect the first-rate materials and craftsmanship.
Overview of Apilco Porcelain
Apilco was established in Paris in 1810. It rapidly gained acclaim for its high-quality porcelain tableware, earning the prestigious title of “Manufacture de porcelaine de Paris” in 1826.
Like Pillivuyt, Apilco is known for its bright white porcelain that has an attractive smooth surface and pleasing heft. Apilco porcelain contains kaolin sourced from Limoges, another French porcelain capital. The lead-free glazes provide a brilliant gloss.
Many of Apilco’s most popular designs showcase the French provincial style with signature blue accents. However, they offer modern designs as well. In addition to dinnerware, Apilco produces oven-to-table bakeware, mixing bowls, and specialty cookware items.
Key features of Apilco porcelain:
- Made in France from Limoges kaolin clay
- Chip and stain resistant with durable, lead-free glazes
- Oven, microwave, dishwasher safe
- Classic French country aesthetic with blue accents
- Baked goods and cookware in addition to dinnerware
- Approachable pricing for high-quality porcelain
Apilco has widespread popularity both in Europe and abroad.
It offers the coveted look and feel of authentic French porcelain at a more accessible price point than some luxury brands. It’s a great choice for those seeking traditional French style or wanting high-quality porcelain without the premium cost.
Key Differences Between Pillivuyt And Apilco Porcelain
Now let’s do a direct comparison of some of the key differences between these two French porcelain makers:
Manufacturing Location
- Pillivuyt: Made in Mehun-sur-Yèvre, France
- Apilco: Made in Limoges, France
Clay Composition
- Pillivuyt: High kaolin content from local sources
- Apilco: Kaolin from Limoges region
Design Aesthetic
- Pillivuyt: Classical French styles and modern designs
- Apilco: Strongly influenced by French country/provincial look with signature blue accents
Product Range
- Pillivuyt: Broader range including specialized culinary and laboratory porcelain
- Apilco: Dinnerware, bakeware, and some cookware
Price Point
- Pillivuyt: Higher end, premium pricing
- Apilco: Mid-range pricing, good value
Professional Reputation
- Pillivuyt: Long-standing popularity in restaurants and culinary schools
- Apilco: Well-regarded but not to the same extent as Pillivuyt
As you can see, while both brands share similarities in terms of manufacturing location and clay composition, there are some notable differences when it comes to style, product range, pricing, and reputation with professionals.
In-depth Comparison of Pillivuyt And Apilco Porcelain
Keep reading for a more detailed comparison across additional factors.
Durability
Durability is a very important consideration for porcelain dinnerware and cookware.
You want pieces that can withstand years of regular use without cracking, chipping or showing excessive signs of wear.
Both Pillivuyt and Apilco craft porcelain known for its strength and resilience.
Their porcelain contains high percentages of kaolin, resulting in a dense, hard material.
The surfaces are resistant to scratches, staining and abrasion.
However, Pillivuyt porcelain is typically regarded as the more durable option. Everything from the composition of the clay to the thickness of the pieces and the curing process results in an extremely hardy product.
The glazes anchor tightly to resist chipping. Pillivuyt offers a lifetime replacement guarantee against manufacturing defects, while Apilco has a more standard 2-year warranty.
For most home use, Apilco offers adequate durability. But for professionals and avid home cooks seeking the ultimate in sturdiness, Pillivuyt is usually the top choice. Its outstanding longevity helps justify the higher prices.
Performance
In addition to durability, high-quality porcelain must be able to perform across a range of cooking tasks. Key aspects like heat resistance, oven/dishwasher/microwave safety, and low reactivity are essential.
Again, both Pillivuyt and Apilco deliver excellent performance characteristics. Their porcelain can be used for general cooking tasks, baking, and food storage. Here’s how they compare across some performance metrics:
Heat Resistance
- Pillivuyt: Can withstand up to 1600°F/870°C
- Apilco: Withstands up to 1472°F/800°C
Dishwasher/Detergent Safety
- Pillivuyt: Guaranteed safe for commercial or home dishwashers
- Apilco: General dishwasher safe but handwashing recommended
Microwave/Oven/Broiler Safety
- Pillivuyt: Safe for all conventional oven cooking
Non-Reactivity
- Pillivuyt: Extremely non-reactive, will not impact food flavors
- Apilco: Also non-reactive
For most general cooking tasks, Apilco demonstrates similar performance to Pillivuyt. But Pillivuyt’s higher heat resistance makes it better suited for searing, broiling, baking casseroles, and other high-heat situations. Its undisputed dishwasher durability also gives it an edge for busy kitchens.
Design and Aesthetics
Beyond technical aspects, aesthetics matter for dishes you’ll potentially use daily for years. Here are some key style differences between the two brands:
Color
- Pillivuyt: Renowned for a pure, bright white shade
- Apilco: Also bright white but some pieces feature blue accents
Patterns
- Pillivuyt: Sleek, modern patterns along with classic designs
- Apilco: French country motifs and floral patterns common
Shapes
- Pillivuyt: Traditional and contemporary shapes
- Apilco: Classic French profiles and silhouettes
Finishes
- Pillivuyt: Smooth glossy glazes or matte options
- Apilco: Signature high-gloss finish
Pillivuyt offers a broader range of aesthetics ranging from minimalist to ornate baroque-inspired patterns. Apilco has largely stayed true to its French provincial visual identity with some modern offerings. It comes down to personal style – for a versatile mix, Pillivuyt offers greater variety.
Cost and Value Comparison
As you may expect based on their reputations, Pillivuyt porcelain generally comes at a higher price point than Apilco. There are certainly very high-end Apilco collections, but on average, comparable Pillivuyt pieces will be pricier.
However, Pillivuyt fans argue that you get what you pay for – its outstanding durability and performance justify the investment for pieces you may keep for life. The availability of replacement guarantees also adds value.
That said, Apilco still represents a good value at its lower to mid-tier pricing levels. You still get time-honored French craftsmanship and excellent quality. For more occasional use or if you prefer to update your dinnerware more frequently, Apilco gives you excellent quality without the top-tier prices.
Availability and Where to Buy
Pillivuyt and Apilco porcelain are sold at retailers worldwide. Here are some of the best places to find them:
Pillivuyt
- Direct from Pillivuyt website
- Select high-end kitchenware stores
- Specialty retail and gourmet food stores
- Restaurant supply outlets
Apilco
- Widely available at department stores and homegoods chains
- Independent kitchen and tableware boutiques
- Online retailers like Amazon and Wayfair
- Some specialty gourmet retailers
Pillivuyt can be harder to find outside of upscale kitchenware shops due to their smaller production volumes.
Apilco has greater availability across mass retailers. Direct purchase from the brands’ websites is always an option too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Apilco still produces its porcelain in Limoges, France to this day. The company is proud of its French heritage dating back to 1810.
All Apilco porcelain is labelled with “Fabrique en France” or “Made in France” markings. Over 200 years later, the Apilco factory continues to utilize the rich kaolin clay from the Limoges region to craft authentic French porcelain.
While many brands have moved production overseas, Apilco maintains its commitment to local French manufacturing. Its identity remains intertwined with the Limoges porcelain tradition.
As mentioned, Apilco porcelain is made in the company’s Limoges factory in central France. Limoges is renowned as the capital of French porcelain production.
The nearby kaolin quarries in Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche supply the white clay essential for making hard-paste porcelain. Generations of artisans in Limoges have perfected the craft of handmaking and decorating porcelain.
Apilco upholds this rich legacy as one of the remaining porcelain makers still producing in Limoges. Its factory allows it to locally control and oversee all aspects of material sourcing and production.
No, Apilco porcelain dinnerware does not contain lead. Apilco uses specially formulated lead-free glazes to provide its dinnerware’s signature glossy finish and resistance to scratching and chipping.
Lead glazes were once common in porcelain production, but Apilco helped pioneer lead-free glaze technology in the early 1920s. All Apilco dinnerware produced after 1917 has always been lead-free.
The Apilco website clearly states that its dinnerware complies with food safety standards from the FDA, EU, and other agencies restricting lead and cadmium. Customers can rest assured Apilco products are lead-free and non-toxic.
Apilco remains an independently owned French company, now managed by the fifth generation of the families that originally founded it.
The company has changed hands a few times over its long history:
1. Founded in Paris in 1810 by the Robert Haviland company
2. Sold in 1830 to the Apilco Brothers company
3. Passed down through successors of the Apilco Brothers owners
4. Operated under Jean Patou from 1968-1984
5. Changed ownership again in 1984 – currently privately held
Throughout these transitions, Apilco has preserved its commitment to quality porcelain production in Limoges. Customers can still enjoy authentic Apilco porcelain made the traditional way in France.
Final Thoughts
So in summary, while Pillivuyt and Apilco share similarities as heritage French porcelain brands, there are some clear distinctions:
- Pillivuyt is renowned for unparalleled durability and heat resistance, making it the choice for professionals and the most demanding home cooks. But you pay a premium price.
- Apilco offers excellent French-made porcelain at a more accessible price point. It excels at traditional French style. Heat and dishwasher resistance may be slightly less than Pillivuyt.
- Both perform beautifully for daily use and offer long-lasting quality. Pillivuyt is the ultimate for durability while Apilco gives you great value.
The right choice comes down to your priorities – performance and lifetime use vs. French style at a moderate cost. For a safe investment you can pass down, Pillivuyt is hard to beat, but Apilco satisfaction runs high as well.
With proper care, either will serve any home kitchen exceptionally for years on end.
